The Unseen Danger of Diabetes

November is National Diabetes Month and Dr. Khoja encourages anyone who has, or may be at risk for, diabetes to have an annual eye examination. Diabetes affects 18.2 million Americans and is the leading cause of blindness in adults.

One of the health problems associated with diabetes is diabetic retinopathy, which can cause blindness. Diabetes also increases a person’s risk for developing other eye diseases. For example, persons living with diabetes are 40% more likely to develop glaucoma and 60% more likely to develop cataracts.

It is important for anyone who has diabetes or a family history of diabetes to have a yearly comprehensive eye health examination. Early detection and treatment are essential because once damage has occurred, the effects are usually permanent.